by: Sonnet.
“Afopef’Olorun, Lokanatilohunwa… “, the audience sang melodiously to the popular hymn as Joke joyfully placed her new born into the Pastor’s wife hand. Claps and offerings were made for the new born and for the family as the naming ceremony continued.
Many were especially distracted by the fragrance of fries that floated from the balcony of Kunle’s humble abode. They could hardly say amen without having a mouthful of the “aromatic” venue. For Kunle and his wife, it was their first girl after many trials – she was their answered “prayer”. At least, that was what everyone thought they would name their child.
“After this one, I’m so closing this window. LeyinOmomerin…” Joke thought and responded with a withdrawn and lazy “Amen” after the Pastor prayed that more Children be added unto them. Two Caesarean sessions in three years…. Her eyes had seen enough to write a novel. But unknowingly to her, the storyline was not yet thick enough to hold her pains and tears.
It was at that time when the Pastor was to name and bless the child including her new found home, when Kunle was found missing.
“He went to use the toilet”… Joke whispered to the Pastor’s ears who later told one of the ushers to check the “Baba Omo ” in the house. He couldn’t have gone too far…. Many wondered. So they checked him in all the 2-bedroom flat
A noise erupted from within, gasps of shock filled the hungry-sized mouth of the audience…. Kunle was not missing…of course not!
He was found lying on the bathroom floor, with his head slightly swollen. This time, he travelled far… So far that his voice was never heard again. Only the parting of the chairs kept silence in bondage few minutes before Joke tore at her weave-on, pulling the better part of it out as the news got to her.
And, when Cynthia grew up to discover the reason behind her mother’s midnight sobs; She realised why her aged grandpa would never call her that English name. She was a posthumous child after all…. Her father’s death was all her fault even when his death found him on fate’s bed.
*Babarimisa is translated (Father saw me and left/disappeared)….the story is merely playing around the pre-destined names in the Yoruba culture.
